Climate Risk in Burswood, WA

Burswood, Western Australia
Updated Mar 2026

Burswood faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Burswood Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Burswood, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Burswood

Flood

Burswood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Riverine flooding and flash flooding from intense rainfall events are potential concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

The risk of bushfire in Burswood is relatively low due to its urbanized environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential hazard.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

Burswood is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Burswood faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the Swan River. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation of low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Burswood

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Burswood is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Burswood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Riverine flooding and flash flooding from intense rainfall events are potential concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Burswood faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the Swan River. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation of low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfire in Burswood is relatively low due to its urbanized environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential hazard.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in low-lying areas may experience some price impact due to flood risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Inquire about local adaptation plans.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to better manage increased rainfall and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Burswood's Climate Risk Profile

Burswood, located near the Swan River, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying areas make it susceptible to flooding from both riverine and flash flood events. Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Burswood. As average temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat days will increase, posing a threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these impacts.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low compared to other areas in Western Australia, Burswood is not entirely immune. Ember attack from distant fires remains a potential hazard, and residents should take precautions to protect their properties.

Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surges, also pose a threat to Burswood. Inundation of low-lying areas could damage infrastructure and disrupt daily life. Planning for adaptation measures is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term resilience of the suburb.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Burswood?

The main climate change risks for Burswood are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall are expected to increase the risk of flooding, while rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Coastal areas are vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges.

How will climate change affect property values in Burswood?

Properties in low-lying areas may experience some price impact due to flood risk. However, the overall impact on property values will depend on the effectiveness of adaptation measures and the overall perception of climate risk.

What is the City of Perth doing to address climate change?

The City of Perth has developed a climate strategy that outlines a range of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These actions include improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing drainage infrastructure.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Burswood?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek out air-conditioned spaces. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and be aware of the signs of heatstroke.

What should I do if my property is flooded?

If your property is flooded, prioritize your safety and the safety of your family. Turn off the electricity and gas, and move to higher ground. Contact emergency services if necessary, and do not return to your property until it is safe to do so.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Burswood, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections